After ten years as Director of the Welch Fund, Dr. Mike Edwards has announced that he and his wife Karen will be leaving Welch College, according to David Williford, Vice President for Institutional Advancement at Welch.
Edwards will assume the role of Head of School at Faith Christian Academy in Effingham, South Carolina. FCA is a ministry of the Lebanon Free Will Baptist Church, where the Edwardses’ son Chris serves as Associate Pastor. Edwards’s new responsibilities begin June 1.
The Edwardses have served Welch College for more than fifteen years in two different stints of employment. They first served as resident directors from 1992 to 1997 while Mike was a student. Upon their return to Welch in 2011, Mike and Karen again assumed the role of resident directors in addition to his responsibilities directing the Welch Fund. Karen also served as manager of West End, the student snack shop and WelchWear store.
“Karen and I have thoroughly enjoyed our ministry at Welch,” Edwards said. “We had anticipated finishing our ministry here, but we’ve been given the opportunity to serve alongside our son in the ministry at the Lebanon Free Will Baptist my Church in Effingham, SC. I think most fathers would find it difficult to turn down the opportunity that has come my way. Karen and I are grateful to Welch for the wonderful years we’ve spent here. We have nothing but love in our hearts for the college and its ministry.”
Williford said, “Mike came here ten years ago as a stranger to me. Over the years, he has become one of my dearest friends and confidants. His cooperative spirit and gung-ho attitude have been the trademarks that characterized his ministry. He refined and expanded the work of the Office of Institutional Advancment and leaves it a much better place than he found it.”
President Matt Pinson said, “Mike and Karen were dorm dad and mom to hundreds of young men during their time at Welch. Mike has represented the college with impeccable character and class. Melinda and I love these choice servants of God, and we’re going to miss them dearly here at Welch. But we’re confident they’re following divine guidance and are going to flourish there in South Carolina.”
Edwards will continue to serve Welch in two capacities. He will serve as a regional representative for the states of North and South Carolina, and he will also continue his role as Adjunct Instructor in the online program of the college.